Stories of Transformation

Jamal's Story

“In some of the trials and tribulations of our guests that come through the shelter, I see me. My hope is to be able to be hope.”
– Jamal, Light of Life Assistant Shelter Supervisor

Attracted to the “dark lifestyle” of his community, Jamal struggled with addiction his entire life.  After tragically losing his wife to her own battles with addiction, it changed his entire perspective.  When Jamal relapsed after staying clean for 10 years, he found Light of Life and a new path to hope.  Now the Assistant Shelter Supervisor at the Voeghtly Street Shelter at Light of Life, Jamal recognizes his own struggle in others.  Before working at Light of Life, Jamal was no stranger to the Mission, growing up in Pittsburgh’s North Side just blocks away.

With more than 17 years of sobriety, Jamal now has the insight to recognize his own struggles in others. Throughout his journey from addiction to recovery and now in his service to the community, Jamal learned first-hand the importance of inspiring hope in those around him.  He is a blessing to the Mission and everyone who walks through our doors at the Mission.

shelter stories

Every story is unique. Every story deserves to be heard.

Michelle's Story

"I really didn't know how to love myself before. Today I can look in the mirror and love the person that I see."

Solomon's Story

A"I can listen to the birds sing now. I can hear the beauty of life. I can see how beautiful life is."

Donnie's Story

"There aren’t many places where you can come from active addiction or straight from a park bench and walk through the front doors and immediately feel loved... ”

Jeremy's Story

"This program really does provide the foundation for a lot of people like me, to really make a difference in their life and put their life together."

Sharlene's Story

"No third grade little girl plans to be a prostitute. She doesn’t plan to be homeless. She’s not planning to hold a sign on the highways that she’ll work for food."

Jamal's Story

"In some of the trials and tribulations of our guests that come through the shelter, I see me. My hope is to be able to be hope"

Dean's Story

"We are able to minister to the people who are in this situation, homeless, hungry, using, and we’re able to tell them how we got out of it."

Pastor Bill's Story

"It’s more than just an addiction. There’s family things, there’s background, there’s wounds, there’s hurts and those are then things that are so deep-rooted ..."

Paradise's Story

"Light of Life taught me how to put God first, be a mother to my children, and take care of me. They taught me to find me again and it gave me a purpose to live."